As the ski season in Maine draws to a close, I would like to highlight the commendable efforts and stellar results of the many volunteers at Titcomb mountain. The small non-profit organization could not operate or even exist without the many hours of work by so many dedicated volunteers and the donations of equipment, time, and funding from local businesses. A list of tasks required to operate Titcomb mountain gives one a sense of what it takes to make our local organization work: cutting trees, splitting firewood, painting, carpentry, clearing trails, making snow in extreme cold and wind, trail grooming , lift assembly and maintenance, food service, lessons, and race programs. These volunteer efforts result in much more than operating lifts, a warm lodge, after-school activities, and great trails to ski. These efforts produce positive and lasting effects on families, individuals, and especially our children. The many ski and snowboarding programs offer our youth with experiences that build lifelong self-esteem, physical conditioning, and a true sense of the sprit of competition.
These volunteers give more than time, they give their heart and soul to the betterment of society, our youth, and our local community. What a great season we have had, despite a non-cooperative mother nature. Next season will be even better thanks to the volunteers at Titcomb Mountain. Truly a community mountain, made possible by community members, for the benefit of our community.
Mike Wells
Wilton
I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Wells.
It is all too easy to take a local treasure like Titcomb Mountain for granted.
Titcomb has provided a safe, locally run, volunteer driven environment where literally generations of area children have had their introductions to winter sports. It has also provided a safe, secular, living model of the power of community, volunteerism, and cooperative spirit that has shaped many a person’s perception of what is possible when people from all walks of life come together in support of something both larger than themselves and of benefit to many.
I have had the distinct honor of being involved in supporting Titcomb over the last several years – as a board member of the Titcomb Ski Education Foundation and as Co-Director with my wife of the Bill Koch Ski Program. I am continually amazed at the countless hours graciously volunteered by so many people – from those who keep the lifts going, the trails and slopes groomed, to those who teach children to ski and board, to those who keep everyone fed.
The employees of Titcomb deserve special recognition as well. These aren’t folks who work their expected hours per week; they work well beyond any expectations on an ongoing basis out of a sense of ownership, loyalty, of recognition of all that Titcomb offers our community.
Local businesses deserve mention as well. Through their generosity – in both financial support as well as donations of work, equipment, and expertise – they have helped Titcomb succeed year after year.
I would add that times are changing. To keep such a unique program viable is an exercise in frugality, practicality, and forward thinking. We have been truly blessed with a tradition of many, unsung community members who have devoted time, energy, and financial resources to keep Titcomb viable.
To have a locally owned, managed, and supported ski area (and all of its associated programs) in a community of our size is truly a rare gift. I heartily encourage the parents of ‘the next generation’ to step-up, show-up, ask what you might offer to help – to play a role in keeping the magic of this special place going.
David Huish
President, Titcomb Ski Education Foundation.
I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Wells.
It is all too easy to take a local treasure like Titcomb Mountain for granted.
Titcomb has provided a safe, locally run, volunteer driven environment where literally generations of area children have had their introductions to winter sports. It has also provided a safe, secular, living model of the power of community, volunteerism, and cooperative spirit that has shaped many a person’s perception of what is possible when people from all walks of life come together in support of something both larger than themselves and of benefit to many.
I have had the distinct honor of being involved in supporting Titcomb over the last several years – as a board member of the Titcomb Ski Education Foundation and as Co-Director with my wife of the Bill Koch Ski Program. I am continually amazed at the countless hours graciously volunteered by so many people – from those who keep the lifts going, the trails and slopes groomed, to those who teach children to ski and board, to those who keep everyone fed.
The employees of Titcomb deserve special recognition as well. These aren’t folks who work their expected hours per week; they work well beyond any expectations on an ongoing basis out of a sense of ownership, loyalty, of recognition of all that Titcomb offers our community.
Local businesses deserve mention as well. Through their generosity – in both financial support as well as donations of work, equipment, and expertise – they have helped Titcomb succeed year after year.
I would add that times are changing. To keep such a unique program viable is an exercise in frugality, practicality, and forward thinking. We have been truly blessed with a tradition of many, unsung community members who have devoted time, energy, and financial resources to keep Titcomb viable.
To have a locally owned, managed, and supported ski area (and all of its associated programs) in a community of our size is truly a rare gift. I heartily encourage the parents of ‘the next generation’ to step-up, show-up, ask what you might offer to help – to play a role in keeping the magic of this special place going.
David Huish
President, Titcomb Ski Education Foundation.